OSU Institute of Technology announced the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Faculty and Staff Awards during the campus address held on Tuesday, April 23.
Katie Quillin, an M-Power instructor, was awarded the Outstanding Faculty Award. Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life, was awarded the Outstanding Professional Staff Award and Hope Hubbard, Student Life staff assistant, was honored with the Outstanding Classified Staff Award.
Sponsored by the OSUIT Faculty/Staff Council, the awards aim to recognize and commend OSUIT employees for their exceptional dedication to professional service and their ability to motivate others to take pride in their roles as members of the OSUIT community.
Peers nominate candidates for these awards because they believe their colleagues deserve recognition for their exceptional contributions and performance.
Susie Mauldin, Mathematics instructor and chair of the Faculty/Staff Council relayed how difficult it is for the committees to choose only one winner for each category.
"Each year, we receive nominations from colleagues and students highlighting many of the wonderful contributions made by our faculty and staff," said Mauldin. "We have so many excellent employees across campus! The committees always have difficulty choosing only one winner for each award. We want each nominee to know how much we appreciate all the effort they pour into their jobs to ensure our students feel safe and included and get a top-notch education here at OSUIT."
Quillin reflected on the significant role that OSUIT plays in her life, as well as in the lives of her family and students, expressing the pride she feels in being a part of it.
"Graduation is always a memorable moment for me. All my siblings and I have graduated from OSUIT, and watching each class graduate gives me a sense of pride and community. Most recently, I have had two students selected as graduate respondents. It really has been such an honor to see those students grow and become the women they are today. Hearing them speak and tell their story filled me with such pride and made me so glad to be a part of the Cowboy family. Their journey shows me what our promise here is all about. They are the reason I love what I do."
Crawford said she most enjoys helping students find their place on campus and adjust to college life.
"I truly enjoy working with my team and providing opportunities to students every single day," said Crawford. "Much of the student population we serve don't know what to expect when they come to college. Providing them the opportunity to create their own college experience is the favorite part of my job."
Hubbard echoed the sentiment about the rewarding nature of their work in Student Life.
Our students are the best!" said Hubbard. "From hearing what they are learning, watching them grow and become more confident young adults, waving and teasing them when they come in to work out or say 'hi' and grab a piece of candy, to visiting with former students that keep in touch just to let me know that they are doing good, but wish they were back at school. I truly enjoy being there for them as they navigate adulthood."
